Textured Background
A textured background is perfect for adding depth and visual interest to your headshots without being distracting. You can also use them if you want to give a painterly feel to your photography. A textured background allows you to make a more stylized portrait. That’s why they’re more common for personal use. However, some professions allow for creativity, so depending on the type of business your client is in, they might pull it off, actors, for example, look great on a textured background.
DIY Backgrounds
If you like crafting, you can DIY a unique headshot background that fully communicates the person’s personality. Some headshot background ideas that you can DIY are balloons, fairy lights, party strings, wallpaper, etc. It depends on the situation. For casual fun portraits, this just might work. For serious business photos though, we suggest the other idea on this page.
This idea can also work well for commercial shoots where it adds to the story of the product you’re showcasing. Custom backdrops are common.
Custom Backgrounds
If you have a specific vision in mind for your headshot, you can always go for a custom background. This could be anything from a graphic design to a specific location. Custom backgrounds can be a great way to showcase your unique style and stand out from the crowd.
Patterned Background
If you want to add some visual interest to your headshots, a patterned background can be a great option. Make sure the pattern is subtle and does not overwhelm the subject.
We see this used the most with company logos, done creatively to subtly appear in repeat patterns on a media wall type of background.
Studio Backdrops
Studio backdrops are a popular choice for headshots because they provide a lot of control over the lighting and background. They can be solid colours, textured, or even have custom graphics. These backgrounds are great for more formal and professional headshots. Studio headshots can be created either in the studio or at your location.
City, Urban and Outdoors Background
Shooting outdoors gives you more flexibility in finding an original headshot background. Using the city as the backdrop, you’re communicating a specific message about your subject. You can use a skyline or city buildings as a headshot background for a casual and more approachable business headshot. Maybe for someone whose business is in the city and who is always on the go.
It’s also a good backdrop for senior headshots or couples. Anyone who has an urban lifestyle can have a city background. Another creative way to use the city as a headshot background is to shoot at night. This way, you can use the city lights to create a bokeh effect or the moving cars to create light trails. These types of headshots have an urban feel that is perfect for young models.
Natural and Environmental Backgrounds
Natural backgrounds are great for all types of staff, models and situations. Landscapes have such beautiful colours, and there’s such a variety of choices that you can’t go wrong. We regularly shoot with natural backgrounds in the city.
There are a lot of parks in the Sydney CBD area and we soft focus greenery for the headshot background. See examples below.